THIBODAUX, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team suffered a tough 2-1 loss against Nicholls Thursday evening at the Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex.

Southeastern (8-8-2, 4-5-1 SLC) closed out its 2026 season falling short in its hard fought battle against conference foe Nicholls (6-6-6, 4-3-3 SLC) on the road. The Lions gained the lead late in the first half off a goal by Anna Claire Schwing, but the Colonels second half momentum with two goals sealed the deal. With the loss, SLU is eliminated from the Southland Conference Women's Soccer Tournament.

The Lions came out aggressive in the opening minutes of the match with back to back corner kicks to place pressure on Nicholls defense from the kickoff. Southeastern gained solid opportunities with shots around the box but the Colonels goalkeeper Aislinn Wright (four saves) stepped up with tough saves early in the half. Senior Brooke Opferman cut through the hosts defense with a shot around the net, but was unable to capitalize.

Both teams remained focused on the stakes of the match in an effort to take control and gain an early lead. As Southeastern settled into the match on the road, it continued to test the Colonels back line of defense. Schwing checked into the match and a moment later broke free to find the back of the net from distance to claim the 1-0 lead.

The junior recorded her second goal of the season to spark a run of momentum for Southeastern in the 30th minute of the match from an assist by senior Kaitlyn Tung. SLU worked to keep its foot on the gas as Charlotte Lewis gained an opportunity to extend the green and gold's lead with a clear look at the net, but was unable to capitalize as the ball was kicked across the net. Nicholls fought to flip the script and find a solid look around the net, but the Lions defense remained aggressive to hold the hosts to only two shots in the first half.

Southeastern ended the opening half with six shots, six corner kicks and four shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Kendall Curran finished the match with two saves in the first half while Nicholls recorded one corner kick opportunity.

The Colonels returned from the halftime break with a different level of intensity as they scored an early goal in the second half. Kate Guillory found the back of the net for Nicholls in the 57th minute to equalize the contest, 1-1. With a SLC Tournament bid at stake, both teams battled to gain an advantage.

Midway through the second half, the tide of momentum shifted in favor of Nicholls as Jezlyn Nelson broke free to post her sixth goal of the season to take the lead, 2-1. Nelson found the back of the net, off an assist by Alyssa Wheeler, in the 77th minute of the match. Southeastern worked to answer back, but the Colonels defense stepped up to limit the visitors to two shots in the final half.

Nicholls held its momentum throughout the remainder of the match down the stretch as SLU could not overcome its deficit. The Colonels refused to let up as they took four shots in the second half along with five corner kicks to secure the win and make program history, earning their first trip to the SLC championship tournament since 2014.

Southeastern closed out the 2026 season with 24 goals, 220 shots and 109 shots on goal. Sophomore Alexandra Knight led the Lions with eight goals while Curran ended the season handing the majority of the responsibility in the net with 57 saves.

SCORE ONE MORE CLUB/S CLUB

Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the women's soccer program are encouraged to join the Score One More Club.  Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Score One More Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern soccer program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Soccer, follow @LionUpSoccer and @Nathan90G on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow slusoccer on Instagram.